Reported statements

Use reported speech to communicate what someone said without repeating their exact words.

When do we use it?

Apply common tense and pronoun changes after a past reporting verb.

Form

After said (that), present often shifts to past and will often shifts to would.

• “I am tired.” → She said she was tired.
• “I will call.” → He said he would call.

Key contrast

Read the whole context and identify the time, meaning, noun type or sentence structure before choosing.

Common mistakes

• She said me she was tired. → She told me she was tired.
• He said that I am busy. → He said that he was busy.

Remember

Use reported speech to communicate what someone said without repeating their exact words.

Quick check

• Find the grammar clue.
• Check the subject and verb form.
• Confirm that the answer fits both structure and meaning.